Jode, Gerard de (1509-1591).

Koeman II, Jod 1; Shirley, British Library T. JOD-1b; van der Krogt 32.01

rare. As a cartographer, engraver, printer and publisher in Antwerp, De Jode was issuing maps from 1555 contemporary with his competitor Abraham Ortelius. He bought maps at the Frankfurt Fair which he later copied or resold (mostly of Italian or German origin). The publication of his major atlas was subjected to a series of delays in the granting of the royal privilege probably instigated Ortelius. De Jode was the elder and Ortelius had in fact published De Jode’s map of the World in 1564. He owned fewer map plates than De Jode, but used his important connections to ensure that his Theatrum was launched well before that of his competitor. In spite of its attractive maps, this work did not sell well, and few copies are recorded.

After De Jode’s death in 1591 his widow and son Cornelis took over the business, completing De Jode’s revisions for the second edition which was published in 1593.

"Some people consider the marguerite is an emblem of the Jesuits, and the rare purple staining could therefore mean that this atlas was bound for this ecclesiastical order, or quite likely a high-ranking Roman Catholic" (Wardington Catalogue).